In order to prove business value and ensure 5G meets real industry requirements, three Ericsson factories in Sweden, Estonia and China are fast-tracking the introduction of a new generation of smart manufacturing. Developing and implementing the first 5G and Industrial IoT systems in a real manufacturing environment allows this new wave of tech enablers to reach maturity more rapidly, ready to change the world.

The 5G factory

At the heart of the Ericsson HQ campus in Sweden sits a perfect inventor's playground, where engineers and innovators are shaping the future of manufacturing in Ericsson's own '5G factory'. As the site that produces test beds for 5G and ships them across the globe, it is the ideal environment to trial new 5G and Industrial IoT innovations in a real production environment, such as precise localization technology.

This uses low-power tags to transmit real-time location data to the cloud. They can be placed on anything, giving decision makers complete visibility of any object and machine they want to keep track of. This enables true digital twins for traceability of inventory, reducing loss of assets and ultimately improving end-to-end efficiency.

The digital factory

Estonia has a uniquely innovative culture, and Ericsson is one of its largest employers. The spirit of technological innovation is at the core of Estonian identity, and this is more than evident in the Ericsson Tallinn smart factory, which accounts for more than 10 percent of Estonia's exports today.

Discover how an innovation-driven workforce empowers Ericsson's production capabilities, and fosters the introduction of new smart manufacturing technologies. These include the introduction of a cutting-edge augmented reality troubleshooting solution, that has already more than doubled the team's effectiveness.

The IoT factory

The Ericsson smart factory in Nanjing only stops production of the latest radio base stations one day of the year – Chinese New Year.

Every other day, the factory harnesses the data generated through connecting everything from screwdrivers to entire warehousing systems with Industrial IoT and NB IoT. This has enabled the Nanjing factory to dramatically improve efficiency by tracking actual use of tools and dispatching services and maintenance accordingly.

Explore our other industry collaborations

Bringing ideas to life – King’s College London and Ericsson

Discover how Ericsson is collaborating with King's College London and industry leaders to reshape our world with 5G research and technology innovation. Learn more about this case here.

A healing hand – King’s College London and Ericsson

We are collaborating with Dr Prokar Dasgupta, a professor and surgeon at King's College London Hospital to explore how the tactile internet can provide patients around the world with access to remote medical specialists. Learn more about this case here.

We are working with King's College London and Jason Williams at Rooplay to unlock education by making gaming more immersive with cutting-edge 5G technology. Learn more about this case here.

Creating an immersive experience – King’s College London and Ericsson

Together with artist, writer and philosopher Ali Hossaini, we are working to discover how 5G can transform the arts and impact sensory experiences, bringing cultural events to new audiences around the world. Learn more about this case here.

Teach anyone to learn anything – King’s College London and Ericsson

The Internet of Skills can enable anyone to become an expert. Together with Dr Mischa Dohler, Chair Professor in Wireless Communications at King's College London, we are learning how to transfer human knowledge remotely. Learn more about this case here.

Safety is no accident – Boliden and Ericsson

By harnessing 5G technology, Ericsson and Boliden are boosting reliable communications in mines to improve productivity and safety. Learn more about this case here.

Take the road untraveled – Scania, the Royal Institute of Technology and Ericsson

Join Ericsson, Scania and the Royal Institute of Technology as they accelerate autonomous, connected transportation fueled by 5G. Learn more about this case here.

Touch the virtual world – ABB and Ericsson

Ericsson and ABB are engineering robot remote control with haptics, enabling us to realistically 'touch' the virtual world for the first time. Learn more about this case here.

Smart fix – Cramo, Husqvarna and Ericsson

Ericsson, Cramo and Husqvarna have created a pioneering proof of concept for process automation, transforming the tool rental business.Learn more about this case here.

We are capturing and controlling data, as well as producing powerful data visualization, to give unprecedented insight into scouting, player health, scheduling, and so much more. Learn more about this case here.

Securing the cloud for the future – TIM and Ericsson

We are connecting people, objects and the cloud to optimize processes, enhance safety and reduce costs in services enabled by 5G projects. Learn more about this case here.